Costa Rica operates on the same dining timetable as the rest of northern Latin America. This means dinners typically begin between 6:00 and 7:00 p.m., or around the time the sun sets.

In Costa Rica, dinner (often called cena) is typically eaten between 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM, which is relatively early compared to the late-night dining cultures of Mediterranean Europe or Argentina. Because the country is close to the equator, the sun sets around 5:30 PM to 6:00 PM year-round, and the rhythm of daily life tends to follow the sun. Many Costa Ricans start their day early (around 5:00 AM or 6:00 AM) and eat a substantial lunch (casado) at noon, leading to an earlier evening meal. In 2026, while "tourist" restaurants in areas like Tamarindo or Manuel Antonio stay open until 10:00 PM or later, local "sodas" (small, family-run eateries) often close by 8:00 PM or 9:00 PM. A traditional dinner might consist of arroz con pollo (rice with chicken) or a lighter version of the midday casado. If you are invited to a Tico's home for dinner, arriving around 6:30 PM is standard. This early dining schedule also leaves plenty of time for the "coffee hour" culture that precedes the meal in the late afternoon.